Leica Q2 After the Hype - Honest 2 Year Ownership Review

I have bought my Leica Q2 exactly 2 Years ago and since then the Q2 has become one of the most hyped but also one of the most controversial cameras out there. Here are my thoughts after owning and using it for two years.
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[@donjagoe]

Have one, coming from Canon, and totally love the Q2. Good review-agree with all. I would add that the Leica Fotos app is also a compelling reason to use Leica.

[@grotepewe]

Nice statement and happy to see that you have a Triumph motorcycle yourselfI, sold my Sony A7 and A7mk2 with the FE lenses I had in order to acquire the Q2 3 years ago, it goes everywhere with me. Love it! In the meanwhile I added a Sony A6500 with 1655F28G, 11F18, 20F28 and 70350G, the I use for sports and some wildlife, want to add the A6700 next year.

[@AndreasJoachimLins]

I used my Q2 now for 1,5 years - mainly for portraiture work and for my travel / street photography. Even though I worked with a lot of good gear over the last 25 years - the Q2 is my preferred "to go" camera. The picture quality is superb and because I don't shoot jpg the RAW files of the Q2 deliver excellent quality for post processing. The Q3 is a kind of a shock - the (non) integration of the flexible screen is like "oh our customers want a flexible screen - let's glue one on". The Q3-look doesn't has the design-feeling the Q2 has. So I will keep my Q2 (and my X100V) for many years to come.

[@Jgheiler]

Which do you like more? Leica or fuji?

[@toothzombie]

Same. Much prefer the Q2 over the Q3.

[@AndreasJoachimLins]

@@Jgheiler - I prefer the Leica. Even though the X100V is an awesome tool - the Leica is "better" (for me) in terms of the full frame sensor, the achievable subject separation und the awesome summilux lens. The X100V shines with adorable JPG-Film-emulations but to be honest - I normally shoot RAW for max. dynamic range.

[@OpenDGuitar]

I too have been using the Q2 for almost two years. Exquisite quality, and it has made me more intentional in my photography. I would love to have a Q3, but can’t do that now. I expect I will buy one used in a year or two. I have an old Canon XC10 with a similar tilt screen, so I think I would like that. For fast action though, I still use Canon…and for video Canon and Sony. But the quality of materials and workmanship, the feel in the hand, and the Leica color…if you get it, you get it. Wow.

[@SuchanBajracharya]

Leica Q2 is my absolute favorite camera 📷 😍

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Sehr schönes Video, danke für deine Erfahrung! :) Coming from the Q2M and owning the Q3 for several months now I have to say, if someone is happy with the Q2 and don't see any value in the tilt screen and video function, just stay with the Q2. I really like the tilt screen and don't care how Leica implemented it, since in daily use I don't think about it. My current main disappointment is the AF. I did NOT expect AF on the level of Sony or Canon, but since Leica is working with Panasonic and the Q3 has phase detect AF like the Lumix S5II, I was hoping it would at least come to the level of the S5II. Because of that the video function is also not as great if you want to film people, since it hunts a lot in video. But image quality is amazing with that 28 Summilux :). I'm still hoping Leica will improve this in the upcoming firmwares, since they have a record of supporting their cameras long term, as you mentioned. One small feature I love to use everyday is USB-C charging. Since I own the Q3 I never took the battery out to charge :) Grüße aus BaWü :)

[@slowinfastout]

I love my Q2 Reporter, never regret getting it for one sec and not planning on updating it any time soon…

[@user-qv8lz5ds7m]

Hi Tobis, my story is almost the same as you. I had the X100F and was very happy but felt I wanted to explore full frame and the IP52 protection was the clincher as my wife and I used to go for very long walks in all sorts of weather. Like you we have traveled around Europe and the US and have plans for Far East and South America. The Q2 is an ideal companion for these trips and it fits into carry-on bags easily and doesn’t look like a Leica to the untrained eye (black duck tape is perfect for the red dot!). Image quality has been brilliant, even on multiple fame stitched panoramas - I’m currently trying to perfect this for internal church/cathedral shots where I am looking for 21deg effect.. Great video. 👍

[@xmarcika]

I'm now in the similar situation haha. I have XT3 and X-Pro2. But after 3 years of using them, even I really love X-Pro2, somehow I'm more and more looking for something more of a Q2 type. Only thing I'm not sure is 28mm as I prefer 40-50mm. Need to check one in the camera store to see what's what 😊 Great and honest video! Wish you many good photos!

[@propsonfilming2151]

Danke für das informative Video.

[@meFatuations]

Love the Q2. Great image quality, and a beautiful camera. I like have high quality things. It is wonderful in the hand.

[@hoot7588]

Comment from an English subscriber: how/why is your English so good? You use English idioms and patterns of speech incredibly naturally.

[@andrewowen-price4496]

Great advert for Leica (definitely not jealous :))

[@NWind-go9qn]

Everything in photography has to do with aesthetic energies. The aesthetic experience which leads to photography that stands out begins the moment you pick up the camera, and moves onward and upwards from there, or not. If your camera does not begin to tug at your insides to produce an aesthetic state that nourishes something deeper in you, well, now you are starting with a deficit. Good luck with that Sony.

[@OttawaTony]

Leica not only issues firmware update. I noticed recently that they updated the instruction manual to incorporate operating changes up to, and including, firmware update 4.0.

[@peetje28021970]

I bought the Q2 reporter edition as my take wherever camera and I couldn’t be happier with it.

[@AndyG1995]

Curious to know your thoughts now!

[@KostaDu]

Hey Tobis, like to hear that opinion coz about two years ago your video influenced me to gift Q2 myself for Christmas 🎄

[@marco_aest9934]

I also own the Q2 and love it. Have you ever thought about trying a Leica M (10/10R/11)?

[@plantagoo]

Had the Q3. Sold it. Bought the Q2 again. ❤😉

[@07SATS]

what was the reason you went back to Q2?

[@plantagoo]

I had no use for video or 60 MP… IMHO the flip screen destroys the whole clean look of the camera… The AF isn’t that much better as I hoped for… And since I was offered a Q2 Ghost at a bargain…

[@runeboy200]

Love my Q2 but I feel like the startup is obscenely slow, at least compared to when I booted up the Q3 at the Leica store.

[@michaelf7742]

Die Leica Q3 gibt es in jedem Leica Store zum Anfassen. Der AF ist deutlich besser geworden für mein Empfinden. Für mich wäre die Nikon Zf eine Alternative.

[@profan10]

Hi Tobis! Great review for the Q2! I just want to ask if you still shoot JPEG on the Q2 like you mentioned two years ago when you had the X100V that you are a JPEG shooter than a RAW shooter. Are the samples in this video SOOC JPEGs or edited (or RAW edited)? Thank you and hope you do good with the Q2

[@TobisTings]

All images shot with the Leica Q2 shown in this video were shot in DNG and edited in Lightroom. The SOOC JPEGs from the Q2 are ok, but nothing compared to what Fuji offers with their film simulations and options for further customisation.

[@alexgerdes9423]

“Trust me bro” situation lol

[@bobbleczar]

I'm trying to decide between the Q2 and the Q2 Monochrom... How's the lowlight on the Q2? I'm a little worried about lowlight noise, which the Monochrom seems to not have.

[@SunshineHB]

It’s not great, to be honest. It’s useable up to 3200 if you are ok with the look or own Dxo AI noise removal. With the latter the results can be quite impressive.

[@leafsfan71]

I have had one for a few months, and jury is still out for me. I love the design and experience using the camera. They stand in a league with no other. What i think is NOT good (bordering on garbage) is the dynamic range. Every single highlight gets blown. You basically have to underexpose everything a minimum of 2/3 of a stop. Setting this camera on Auto as a Point and shoot blows highlights 80% of the time.

[@ronaldcphotography]

not with the latest firmware, it added High-Light priority metering,,

[@SourPlanet]

@@ronaldcphotography Do you find that solved the problem? Any unexpected or seemingly random instances where they blow again? Sorry to bother but I'm looking at the Q2 right now and would love to know the particulars on this.

[@ronaldcphotography]

@@SourPlanet it works very well, no issues with overblown highlights now 👌

[@SourPlanet]

@@ronaldcphotography Awesome. Thanks for the info 💪

[@leafsfan71]

@@ronaldcphotographyI don’t feel it really solved the problem.

[@ObservationMovies]

Ha! I have a kaki scrambler too.

[@JessDemant]

My Leica-like camera is a Sony A7C III and together the two small Sony lenses 24mm.f.2.8 G and 40mm.2.5, but otherwise I choose to put the small new grip under the camera and use the two GM lenses 35mm.f.1.4 and 50mm.f.1.4, but if it has to be really easy, I will only take the Sony 20-70mm.f.4 with me. For wildlife and sports photography I use a Sony A9 and Sony 200-600mm.f.4.5-5.6 G. Furthermore, I can't see that the very high price is commensurate with what you get when we look at what Leica can do for the photographer and the image quality, but I know that many see Leica as a piece of jewelry for men. As you can also see, I don't want to do without the flexibility of being able to change lenses, but of course we are all a little different .....

[@SourPlanet]

You have a Sony A7C II, Sony A9, Sony 24mm, 40mm, 35GM, 50GM, 20-70/4, and 200-600 G. But you have issues with what Leica offers to those who choose it. Even as a Sony user, I can say this is the most Sony user thing I've seen in a while lol.

[@JessDemant]

@@SourPlanet If I have to have the same equipment for Leica, the price will probably be completely different, and will I get better photos for those I deliver photos to?

[@SourPlanet]

@@JessDemant you know that some tools are wrong for the job you're doing but right for another task? Like you don't hammer a screw in around the house, do you? The Q2 is a hand made properly rated weather proof full frame camera with a fixed lens that's not only autofocus but actually mechanical manual focus- meaning you can zone focus and Autofocus in one lens. They threw in mechanical macro too- the lens shifts into macro depth. You talk about "price commensurate" by comparing against Sony, but you literally cannot do what the Q does with a Sony. 100% doesn't exist. Same with the M. Sony doesn't rangefind, no option for OVF. Photographers need different things. You need an expensive kit with multiple bodies and a massive zoom. So be it. This video is made by someone who found the perfect body for them. Everyone wins.

[@JessDemant]

@@SourPlanet I understand your thinking very well and I have only written my thoughts about the Leica Q, where I think some people are blinded by the hype around Leica and the history behind the brand, because is it worth the high price compared to what the camera can do? Of course, it is difficult to measure one's feeling/attraction for a product, and in that case it is perfectly fine to pay more for it when you think you also get more for the high price. But on many parameters, I personally don't think you get more for the high price, because the autofocus is in any case not up to par with the competitors and white balance and so on can also annoy me, yes, I've tried a Leica Q2! But all this is just me, because I kind of think that it is jewelry for men (also applies to women) because of the price, but many others see it differently and they have a good right to do so!

[@cw7422]

I put black electrical tape over the microphone holes to ensure no water gets in there. You can not even see it.

[@oscarm4154]

I just got one in mint condition with grip and 3 batteries for €2680 - so they have lost quite some value. So dont expect to get more than €3000 😊

[@TobisTings]

Wow, did not expect that. Thats a massive loss in value. Good for you though ;)

[@KO_YTB]

where? i found one that is not used for around 3k and extra battery but your deal seems to be better... is it worth the price for that price? and did u get it from local or online shop?

[@adrianobanak2824]

How is it not produced in Germany when it clearly writes on the camera: ''Made in Germany''?

[@GregV8]

The Q2 _is_ made in Germany

[@07SATS]

So Q3.

[@LilaLeicabar]

They where made in portugal and not in germany….

[@granthopper4132]

160 euros for a battery, eek, a lot of these cameras is physiological rather than better than a similar camera, very well made, but a bit more myth over substance.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Just get a pocket LUMIX 8 MP for €5,50 and start travelling. Most photos from the Q users are horrible.

[@FilthyFloor]

Its not the camera, its the user.

[@meFatuations]

Not interested in the Q3 with its foldout LCD. Just not elegant and doesn’t fit in with the esthetics that define the Q2.

[@taras1033]

Why do many bloggers record videos at 24 or 25 frames? It's jittery and unpleasant to view. It's not cinematic at all.

[@jeansienkin]

What are you talking about? Cinema frame rate is literally 24 fps...

[@taras1033]

@@jeansienkin With different shutter speed

[@sdufg]

i tink u r bi

[@MIZRAIM1906]

Nothing more boring than hearing a German guy talk about anything….

[@willtaylor7467]

Leica is such a pile of garbage. Over-hyped rubbish made by Panasonic. My mate has this camera and I just cannot understand why anyone would buy it. Leica is a dead brand. It's devoid of ideas and is going nowhere - it just trades off nostalgia.

[@andrewlarking7492]

We’re all different. I for one use Leica and Hasselblad because of the less is more approach. I dislike buttons and distractions. Sony for example is the antithesis of photography - to me. But each to their own :) I still shoot the Leica M10 and I don’t see ever needing to change it. Add to the collection for sure but not change it :)

[@Vladimir-hd5nn]

How come you keep saying over and over again the phrase: “this camera” in your video? Is it some kind of SEO thing to try and improve its visibility? I’ve noticed lots of other Photography KZbinrs also doing this and it’s actually super annoying when watching the video and makes it come across as far less sincere than it otherwise would be. It’s a shame because your insights are otherwise valuable and this is a good video for someone like be deciding between a Q2 or Q3.